Last year the UK government announced the introduction of noise pollution cameras to prevent illegal and excessive noise caused by vehicles. The installation of these cameras are being implemented across the UK and other countries as mentioned in news outlets such as the Express, which explains how fines can vary from £100s to up to £2,500. According to a Motoring Research Report, the cameras in West London were “activated 130 times in the first 11 days”!
Currently the limit for vehicle noise is at 74 decibels but many vehicles out there exceed this due to either careless driving (such as excessive acceleration or revving) or outdated, illegally modified or not fit for use vehicles which can cause excessive noise. With an increasing crack down on noise pollution from local authorities and the government, see our explanation below for what is means to organisations and the reasons as to why your business should take action.
What the noise pollution clampdown means?
These new noise pollution camera trials across the country are being issued to prevent any reoccurring law breakers that are causing excessive noise. Potential consequences of being caught are not just financial fines but seizing the vehicle and classing any vehicles as not being safe for the road.
As authorities continue to tackle the harm that noise pollution can have on our health and environment, new rules and ways to enforce noise that exceeds a safe decibel limit are being reviewed constantly by the government and councils. As it becomes an increasing threat to our national public health, the discussion around it is intensifying. Although the focus with these cameras is very much on monitoring everyday vehicle noise, authorities are clear on preventing pollution from other forms such as construction, speakers and business or event premises.
Why your organisation should take action?
The are many reasons why organisations should be wary of noise pollution and not just because of the enforcement laws such as business fines or potential prosecution for consistent business noise offences. The impact of noise pollution can damage our health as the World Health Organisation explains how ‘1 in 5 are regularly exposed to excessive noise which significantly damages their health’. Noise pollution can impact both our physical and mental health which can cause major health issues such as hearing loss, stress and anxiety, high blood pressure and heart diseases. More of which are explained in this article ‘how noise pollution can impact your health’.
For the sheer amount of positive impact it can have on our environment and health, makes it an important social responsibility for organisations to be able to take action. For those employees or organisations that continue to be repeat offenders, stricter enforcements will ensure organisations adhere to safe decibel limits in all business capacities.
How can my organisation reduce noise pollution?
There are many ways organisations can take initiatives to reduce their own noise pollution from quieter deliveries to updating noisy machinery or vehicles and limiting noise in work environments such as construction sites, work events or other business activities.
A major challenge that most organisations have is maintaining clear visibility of all this activity to pinpoint any noise pollution issues. Fortunately, noise pollution tools like EMSOL help businesses to monitor noise levels in real-time to accurately tell what deliveries or activities are causing excessive noises at certain times. This enables your organisation to identify the source of the issue clearly, so you can make the necessary steps to reduce noise pollution every day. Read more here to learn how the EMSOL works to take targeted action on noise.
